Bulletin strip and method of making same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a bulletin strip for hanging and displaying objects comprising an elongated body and a strip comprised of an elastomeric material, wherein the strip is connected to the elongated body. The present invention further relates to a bulletin strip for hanging and displaying objects comprising an elongated body having a hollowed portion and a strip comprised of an elastomeric material, wherein the strip is at least partially situated within the hollowed portion of the elongated body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hanging and display devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved hanging and display devices for hanging and displaying charts, maps, papers, or the like. Further, the present invention relates to a more cost efficient process for manufacturing a hanging and display product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Display devices are often used in classrooms and other lecture areas to display placards, charts and the like. Frequently, the chart display devices are mounted on tripods, easels, or similar devices and have clamps at the tops thereof to attach charts, large paper tablets, and the like to the device. Drawbacks of the display devices are that the devices use important classroom space and are difficult to store. In some cases, such display devices remain set up all the time even though they are only used occasionally since the devices themselves are usually quite bulky and difficult to move and set up. The devices that have clamps, or similar displaying means, can be quite burdensome to the user when the user has to hold the clamp open while trying to place the object which is to be displayed in the mouth of the clamp. Many times this cannot easily be done due to the size of the object to be displayed, or the physical constraints of the individual.

As a way to try and solve this problem, bulletin strips have been designed in an attempt to aid individuals in displaying objects. The bulletin strips usually comprise a plastic or metal outer shell with a corkboard insert, and can be attached to a surface using a double-sided adhesive tape. However many problems can be encountered with the previous bulletin strips. The devices are usually of low quality craftsmanship and begin to break or crack after minimal usage. Further, the corkboard can become cracked, chipped, and/or clustered with holes. The double-sided adhesive tape, which attaches the device to a surface, usually starts to fail after minimal stress and time, as well as the adhesive that attaches the corkboard to the outer shell.

One of the reasons for the low craftsmanship of these devices is associated with the manufacturing costs. In most cases, manufacturers purchase the outer shell, corkboard insert, and adhesive materials from other suppliers and then assemble the final product. Having to purchase these items from other suppliers and then assemble the device leaves little room for profit for the manufacturers.

The corkboard insert of the bulletin strips, which is usually on the receiving end of a tack, allows the device to act as a hanging and display device for placards, charts, maps, and the like. The corkboard insert usually is purchased in bulk from suppliers, since the production of corkboard is a very complex process requiring large amounts of starting materials, and bulky expensive machinery. The complexity of the corkboard manufacturing process leads to the corkboard being manufactured in large sheets or rolls by one company, and then shipped in bulk to a second company for cutting out or stamping into desired shapes. These corkboard cut outs or stamp outs are then shipped to a third company for use in a product. The cost of the corkboard is increased each time an additional company processes or handles it. This increase of cost usually leads to the lowering of the quality of the final product in an attempt to keep the final cost to the consumer at a minimum.

Thus, by lowering the costs of the materials used, and allowing a manufacture to easily and reliably produce materials in-house for use in manufacturing hanging and display devices, the overall costs of manufacturing these devices can be lowered while providing a higher quality product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present inventive subject matter provides a hanging and display device that does not use important room space, can be easily stored, and can be easily utilized. It is another aspect of this invention to provide a hanging and display device that can be more cost effectively manufactured.

The current inventive subject matter combines an elastomeric strip with an elongated body. The current invention further results in fewer manufacturing steps and lower manufacturing costs by improved processes of manufacturing.

In a preferred embodiment, a bulletin strip comprises an elongated body, and a strip comprised of an elastomeric material, wherein the strip is connected to the elongated body.

In a further preferred embodiment, a bulletin strip comprises an elongated body having a hollowed portion, and a strip comprised of an elastomeric material, wherein the strip is at least partially situated within the hollowed portion of the elongated body.

In a further preferred embodiment, a bulletin strip comprises an elongated body and a strip comprised of an elastomeric material, wherein the strip is at least partially situated within a center of the elongated body.

In a still further preferred embodiment the present inventive subject matter is drawn to a process for manufacturing a bulletin strip that comprises providing an elongated body, preparing at least a portion of the elongated body to substantially bond to an elastomeric material, introducing the elastomeric material to the elongated body, and allowing a bonding time between the elastomeric material and the elongated body.

Further, in a preferred embodiment, the bulletin strip comprises at least one end cap. In another preferred embodiment, the end cap contains at least one fully penetrating cavity. In another preferred embodiment, the bulletin strip comprises an adhesive located opposite of the strip on the elongated body. In another preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material contains silicon. Additionally, in another preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material is silicone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a top view of an exemplary version of a preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip;

FIG. 2 shows an elevated side view of an exemplary version of a preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an exemplary version of another preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of an exemplary version of a preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip connected to a writing surface;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an exemplary version of another preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventive subject matter relates to hanging and display devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved hanging and display devices for hanging and displaying charts, maps, papers, or the like. Further, the present invention relates to a more cost efficient process for manufacturing a hanging and display product.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip 100 has an elongated body 105 containing a hollowed portion 110 in which an elastomeric strip 115 is situated. In this preferred embodiment, the elongated body 105 has lips 120 and 125, which help secure elastomeric strip 115.

Turning now to FIG. 3, another preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip 130 has an elongated body 135 containing a hollowed portion 140 in which an elastomeric strip 145 is situated therein. In this preferred embodiment of bulletin strip 130, elongated body 135 does not have lips as described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary version of a preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip 150, which has an elongated body 155 in which an elastomeric strip 160 is connected thereto. Bulletin strip 150 further comprises at least one end cap 165, by which bulletin strip 150 can be attached to a surface 170. It should be noted that FIG. 4 shows only one end cap as being connected to the elongated body 155. However, it is understood that more than one end cap can be connected to the elongated body, with preferably two end caps being connected to opposite ends of the elongated body, in this, and in any of the following or preceding applicable figures and descriptions.

FIG. 5 shows another preferred embodiment of bulletin strip 175 from a side view. Bulletin strip 175 has an elongated body 180 with elastomeric strip 185 connected thereto.

It is understood that the above descriptions are not, and should not be, limited solely to that explicitly shown in the figures. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated body can be constructed from any suitable material or materials including, but not limited to, metal(s), alloy(s), wood(s), porcelain, polymer(s), elastomer(s), or combinations thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the elongated body is constructed out of aluminum, an aluminum alloy material, anodized aluminum, a plastic, an elastomer, or similar material. In an even more preferred embodiment, the elongated body is constructed out of aluminum, an aluminum alloy material, anodized aluminum, or a plastic.

Further, the elongated body can be any suitable shape or size, including flat or curved, and can have one or more grooves, holes, channels, or similar features. Preferably, the elongated body has an open hollowed portion.

In a preferred embodiment the elongated body has a width of 0.01 inches to 6 inches and a length of 0.5 inches to 150 inches, with a hollowed portion depth of 0.01 inches to 2 inches. In a more preferred embodiment the elongated body has a width of 0.1 inches to 4.5 inches and a length of 5 inches to 100 inches, with a hollowed portion depth of 0.1 inches to 1.0 inch. In an even more preferred embodiment the elongated body will have a width of 0.3 inches to 2.5 inches and a length of 12 inches to 70 inches, with a hollowed portion depth of 0.2 inches to 0.5 inches.

Furthermore, in another embodiment the elongated body has a raised area perpendicular to at least one face side of the body. The raised area preferably has a height of 0.01 inches to 2 inches. More preferably the raised area perpendicular to at least one face side of the elongated body has a height of 0.1 inches to 1 inch. Even more preferably the raised area perpendicular to at least one face side of the elongated body has a height of 0.2 inches to 0.5 inches.

In a preferred embodiment at least one end cap is constructed from any suitable material or materials including, but not limited to, metal(s), alloy(s), wood(s), porcelain, polymer(s), elastomer(s), or combinations thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, at least one end cap is constructed out of aluminum, an aluminum alloy material, anodized aluminum, a plastic, an elastomer, or similar material. In an even more preferred embodiment, at least one end cap is constructed out of aluminum, an aluminum alloy material, anodized aluminum, or a plastic.

Further, in a preferred embodiment at least one end cap may be any suitable shape or size, including flat, curved, cubic, rectangular, spherical, or other polygonal shape, and can have one or more grooves, holes, channels, or similar features. Preferably, each end cap will have at least one hole there through.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of a bulletin strip, the elastomeric strip has a width of 0.001 inches to 6 inches and a length of 0.1 inches to 150 inches, with a thickness of 0.0001 inches to 4 inches. In a more preferred embodiment the elastomeric strip will have a width of 0.1 inches to 4.5 inches and a length of 5 inches to 100 inches, with a thickness of 0.1 inches to 1.0 inch. In an even more preferred embodiment the elastomeric strip will have a width of 0.3 inches to 2.5 inches and a length of 12 inches to 70 inches, with a thickness of 0.2 inches to 0.5 inches.

In an alternate embodiment, the elastomeric strip can have at least one fabric attached thereto. The fabric can serve a functional purpose, such as but not limited to, conforming the elastomeric strip to a particular shape, segregating the elastomeric strip into different portions, re-enforcing or adding to the ability of the elastomeric material to receive objects such as tacks, and/or aiding in the ability to connect the elastomeric strip to the elongated body. The fabric can also serve a non-functional purpose, such as but not limited to, matching particular fabrics and or color schemes within a given room or section, adding a textured looked to the elastomeric material, and/or covering the elastomeric material.

In a preferred embodiment, a bulletin strip can be attached to at least one surface. Non-limiting examples of the surface(s) to which the bulletin is capable of being attached include a chalkboard, a dry-erase board, a corkboard, an easel, a wall, and a tripod. Further, non-limiting means of attaching the bulleting strip to at least one surface include at least one adhesive, screw, hook, hook and loop system, magnet, nail, clamp, and combinations thereof.

Further, in preferred embodiment, the elastomeric strip can be formed by placing a silicon containing material in the hollow portion of the elongated body and allowing time for the material to set, cure, and/or bond. In another preferred embodiment, the elastomeric strip can be formed by placing a silicon containing material in a mold, allowing the material to set and/or cure, removing the formed elastomeric strip from the mold, and then connecting the elastomeric strip to an elongated body. The elastomeric strip can be connected to the elongated body by a chemical connection or a physical connection. Non-limiting examples of a chemical connection include the use of an adhesive and/or primer to attach the elastomeric strip to the elongated body. Non-limiting examples of a physical connection include the use of nails, screws, bolts, clamps, or other similar mechanical attaching devices.

A preferred elastomeric material contains material selected from the group consisting of silicon, vinyl acetate, polyurethane, thermal polyurethane, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the elastomeric material is a silicon containing material, such as silicone. Silicone is a preferred material due to its non-combustible, non-foaming, ultra-violet, and colorfast properties. Any usable elastomeric material will typically have a shore A hardness in the range of about 45-100; preferably, in the present inventive subject matter the shore A hardness will be in a range of about 55-90, and more preferably in the shore A hardness will be in a range of about 70-75. The shore A hardness of an elastomer is typically measured on a shore A durometer amongst other devices and mechanisms.

In a further alternative embodiment of the present inventive subject matter, the elastomeric strip can be molded separately from the elongated body, and then affixed to the elongated body by use of an adhesive, bonding agent, or connecting means as previously described.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material utilized for the elastomeric strip is silicone, or a silicon containing elastomer, and is connected directly to an aluminum elongated body. Further, in this preferred embodiment, the silicon containing elastomeric material is molded directly to an aluminum surface by utilizing a primer to etch and prime the surface of the aluminum to aid in the bond between the silicon containing elastomeric material and the aluminum.

In yet another highly preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material utilized for the elastomeric strip is silicone, or a silicon containing elastomer, and is connected to an aluminum elongated body. Further, in this preferred embodiment, the elastomeric strip is molded separately from the elongated body, and then connected to the elongated body by a chemical or physical connection, as described above. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment, the elastomeric strip is connected to the elongated body by an adhesive.

Tinting, pigments, or coloring agents can be added to the elastomeric material for color effects. Preferred amounts of tinting, pigments, or coloring agents range between about 0.01-15% in a weight-to-weight ratio of the total weight of the tinting, pigment, or coloring agents, to the total weight of the elastomeric material used. More preferably, the amounts of tinting, pigments, or coloring agents range between about 1-10% in a weight-to-weight ratio of the total weight of the tinting, pigment, or coloring agents, to the total weight of the elastomeric material used. Evan more preferably, the amounts of tinting, pigments, or coloring agents range between about 3-6% in a weight-to-weight ratio of the total weight of the tinting, pigment, or coloring agents, to the total weight of the elastomeric material used.

The following examples are illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present inventive subject matter, and are not to be construed as limiting the inventive subject matter thereto.

EXAMPLE 1

An aluminum elongated body having an inner width of 0.565 inches and a length of 36 inches was obtained. The hollowed portion of the aluminum elongated body was coated with a primer (X-5665 from GT Products, Inc. of Grapevine Tex.), and after a period of time the aluminum elongated body coated with the primer turned a powdery white hue. 132 grams of a liquid silicone rubber (GT-5104 from GT Products, Inc. of Grapevine Tex.) was poured into a mixing bucket, and was mixed with 5.28 grams of blue color tint (GT-5673 from GT Products, Inc. of Grapevine Tex.), which is approximately 4% on a weight-to-weight basis of the 132 grams of silicone used. After the color tint was added to the silicone in the mixing bucket, the color match was checked. 13.2 grams of a clear catalyst (C-5813 from GT Products, Inc. of Grapevine Tex.) was added to the silicone and color tint, which was added at a ratio of about 1:10 of the amount of silicone used. The mixture of silicone, color tint, and catalyst were then mixed without a vacuum. The mixture was then poured into the primed hollowed portion of an elongated body and filled to the face line of the elongated body. The mixture of silicone, color tint, and catalyst introduced to the elongated body was then allowed to fully cure, set, and bond to the aluminum elongated body. The curing, setting, and bonding time is typically 10 minutes from when the catalyst is added to the silicone material to when the mixture is then introduced into the elongated body.

EXAMPLE 2

An aluminum elongated body having an inner width of 0.565 inches and a length of 36 inches was obtained. A mold for molding an elastomeric strip was obtained, with the interior portions of the mold being sprayed with a non-stick composition (Ease Release 200 mold release from GT Products, Inc. of Grapevine Tex.). 132 grams of a liquid silicone rubber (GT-5104 from GT Products, Inc. of Grapevine Tex.) was poured into a mixing bucket, and was mixed with 5.28 grams of blue color tint (GT-5673 from GT Products, Inc. of Grapevine Tex.), which is approximately 4% on a weight-to-weight basis of the 132 grams of silicone used. After the color tint was added to the silicone in the mixing bucket, the color match was checked. 13.2 grams of a clear catalyst (C-5813 from GT Products, Inc. of Grapevine Tex.) was added to the silicone and color tint, which was added at a ratio of about 1:10 of the amount of silicone used. The mixture of silicone, color tint, and catalyst were then mixed without a vacuum. The mixture was then poured into the mold and filled to the face line of the mold. The mixture of silicone, color tint, and catalyst introduced to the mold was then allowed to fully cure and set. The curing and setting time is typically 10 minutes from when the catalyst is added to the silicone material to when the mixture is then introduced into the mold. The fully cured and set elastomeric strip was then removed from the mold and wiped off with a rag containing alcohol to remove any remaining non-stick composition present on the outside of the strip. An amount of RTV silicone glue was placed on the elastomeric strip, and then strip was introduced into the hollowed portion of the aluminum elongated body. After the elastomeric strip was introduced into the hollowed portion of the aluminum body, a bonding time was allowed for the RTV silicone glue to bond the elastomeric strip to the elongated body.

The above example can be modified in many different ways to obtain the desired end product, and in no way should be seen as limiting the spirit and scope of the disclosed invention. Further, the materials, the dimensions, amounts and weights used are for these examples only, and should not be seen as limiting the spirit and scope of the disclosed invention.

The present invention has been described with respect to preferred selected embodiments, and several alternative embodiments thereof. However, other embodiments would be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1) A bulletin strip comprising: an elongated body; and a strip comprised of an elastomeric material; wherein said strip is connected to said elongated body. 2) The bulletin strip of claim 1 further comprising at least one end cap. 3) The bulletin strip of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive located opposite of the strip on the elongated body. 4) The bulletin strip of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric material contains silicon. 5) The bulletin strip of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric material is silicone. 6) The bulletin strip of claim 2 wherein the end cap contains at least one fully penetrating cavity. 7) The bulleting strip of claim 1 wherein the strip is at least partially situated within a center of the elongated body. 8) A bulletin strip comprising: a elongated body having a hollowed portion; and a strip comprised of an elastomeric material; wherein the strip is at least partially situated within the hollowed portion of the elongated body. 9) The bulletin strip of claim 8 further comprising at least one end cap. 10) The bulletin strip of claim 8 further comprising an adhesive located opposite of the strip on the elongated body. 11) The bulletin strip of claim 8 wherein the elastomeric material contains silicon. 12) The bulletin strip of claim 8 wherein the elastomeric material is silicone. 13) The bulletin strip of claim 9 wherein the end cap contains at least one fully penetrating cavity. 14) A process for manufacturing a bulletin strip comprising: providing an elongated body; preparing at least a portion of the elongated body to substantially bond to an elastomeric material; introducing the elastomeric material to the elongated body; allowing a bonding time between said elastomeric material and said elongated body. 15) The process according to claim 14 wherein a primer is used to etch, groove, remove, add, or other wise structurally or chemically alter a surface of the elongated body. 16) The process according to claim 14 wherein said elastomeric material and said elongated body are substantially chemically bonded to each other, wherein the chemical bond is covalent, ionic, or hydrogen. 17) The process according to claim 14 wherein said elastomeric material contains silicon. 18) The process according to claim 14 wherein said elastomeric material and said elongated body are bonded together by an adhesive. 